Reporting the accident to insurers
You know you have to tell an insurance company something and are not sure who or when.
Notifying an insurer is a separate step from the police report. It usually needs to happen with your own insurer first, as soon as you reasonably can. This protects your vehicle claim and starts the wider process.
Whose insurer are you actually dealing with
For your own vehicle’s damage, you claim on your own policy. For your injury, the claim runs against the at-fault driver’s insurer. Malaysian law requires that insurer to pay a valid claim for death or bodily injury once a policy is in force.[1]
These are two different processes, sometimes running at the same time. This is why people often feel confused about who they are actually talking to. If a loss adjuster later contacts you, knowing which side they represent matters.
When to make contact
Notify promptly, ideally within a day or two. Most motor policies set a notice window in the contract rather than leaving it open-ended. Waiting too long risks your own insurer questioning the delay.
You do not need every detail finalised before you get in touch. A short, factual account of what happened is enough to start the process.
What to have ready
Your policy number, the date, time and location of the accident, and the other vehicle’s plate number if you have it. If you already have a police report reference number, mention it. You do not need to wait for the full report first.
What to say, and what not to
Describe what happened plainly: where you were, what direction you were travelling, and what occurred on impact. Avoid speculating about fault, speed or exact distances. Avoid agreeing to any settlement or repair arrangement on the spot.
This is an information exchange, not a negotiation. Treating it that way keeps your options open for whatever comes next.
Where this fits into the wider process
Notifying your insurer sits alongside your police report and your medical care. All three are early steps covered in what to do after a road accident.
Once the insurer’s process is underway, the claim process explains what typically happens from here.
Common questions
Which insurer do I actually notify first?
Usually your own, since your policy requires it regardless of fault. Your insurer can also help coordinate with the other driver's insurer where needed. For an injury claim, that insurer becomes involved once fault and the injury are established.[1]
How soon does this need to happen?
As soon as reasonably possible. Motor policies commonly set a short notice window. Check your policy document or ask your agent rather than guessing, and do not leave it longer than necessary.
What if I only want to claim for my injury, not vehicle damage?
You still generally notify your own insurer of the accident itself. You can still pursue the injury separately as a third-party claim against the other driver's insurer.
Do I need my police report before I contact the insurer?
It helps to have the report number ready. Do not delay just to wait for the full report. You can usually provide the report details afterward.
What should I avoid saying when I notify the insurer?
Avoid guessing at fault, speed or distances. Avoid agreeing to anything on the spot. State what happened factually and let the insurer's process take it from there.
Sources
- Road Transport Act 1987, s.96 (Ministry of Transport) (accessed 2026-09-22)